Hatcher could play DE

[LatinMind]

On the Ben and Skin show Friday morning, Cowboys defensive end Jason Hatcher said he spoke with newly-hired defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin briefly about his role.

Hatcher said he could play defensive tackle or end in the 4-3 alignment.

Kiffin wants pass rushers at all four defensive line positions. However, Hatcher could remain at end if the Cowboys don't re-sign or franchise outside linebacker Anthony Spencer, who becomes a free agent in March.

"He still doesn't know where I'm going to play yet," Hatcher said. "I don't know if I'm going to be the Warren Sapp in his 4-3 defense or not. He does have high hopes for me. I'm going to be a big part of this defense, so I'm excited about this role I'll have in this upcoming season. I'm going to embrace it and be the best I can be."



Link: http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowb.../jason-hatcher-could-be-a-de-or-dt-in-tampa-2#

 

[LatinMind]

Like i said hatcher is going to suprise alot of people in this defense

 

[T-RO]

Like i said hatcher is going to suprise alot of people in this defense

I agree that Hatcher could benefit from this change. Unfortunately he's one of the few that will.

 

[batman36]

Like i said hatcher is going to suprise alot of people in this defense

I sure hope so. It's always nice to see the homegrown talent develope and contribute to the teams success.

 

[LatinMind]

I agree that Hatcher could benefit from this change. Unfortunately he's one of the few that will.

Why not?

 

[StanleySpadowski]

Hatcher is one of the top interior rushers in the league. He's not in the elite category but he's just a step below. That'll make him a quality DT but he doesn't have the first step to be a premiere DE.

 

[noshame]

Combine this with a potentially pro bowl duo of inside backers and we shoud be stout.

 

[cowboyschmps3]

Hatcher can play DE or tackle on this defense, he has a good acceleration to his first step, he was the number 4 ranked Dend in a 3-4 when he goes to a 4-3 he will be liking up in the middle of the guard and tackle nothing different, if he lines up at end, he will be 1 on 1, I agree with the others he is going too surprise people, I think he's played solid and was a late pick, I think he deserves a small extension

 

[ddh33]

Hatcher is one of the top interior rushers in the league. He's not in the elite category but he's just a step below. That'll make him a quality DT but he doesn't have the first step to be a premiere DE.

I tend to agree with this. I am not saying Hatcher couldn't play DE. I'm not even saying he couldn't be good at it. I don't think it's his best position here though, and I believe that for the same reason you do. I don't see enough quickness off the edge for him to be that guy. I am very excited about him in the middle though - watching him play with less reading and reacting.

 

[Echo9]

I agree that Hatcher could benefit from this change. Unfortunately he's one of the few that will.

You're right. Having Ware rush the passer without needing to drop in coverage won't help him. Being one of two DT's and having an easier job of it won't help Ratliff. Putting Carter in the "Lance Briggs" position where he can roam certainly won't help his game. And Sean Lee isn't a prototypical MLB at all.

Combine this with a potentially pro bowl duo of inside backers and we shoud be stout.

Looking foward to seeing Carter and Lee play, but for the record we won't have duo of inside LBers anymore. Kinda the whole (or at least half) point of 4-3

 

[TheCoolFan]

I hope not...this would mean taking what he is good at and turning it into a weakness. His size/quickness is an advantage going up against interior guards. That will be neutralized vs. left and right tackles because they have the footwork and strength to block him. He's 310 lb, that is interior DLine size in any scheme. You want your edge rushers to be quick and agile to beat LT and RT.

If we're going to convert to a 4-3 then we should just do it traditionally instead of trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

 

[LatinMind]

I hope not...this would mean taking what he is good at and turning it into a weakness. His size/quickness is an advantage going up against interior guards. That will be neutralized vs. left and right tackles because they have the footwork and strength to block him. He's 310 lb, that is interior DLine size in any scheme. You want your edge rushers to be quick and agile to beat LT and RT.

If we're going to convert to a 4-3 then we should just do it traditionally instead of trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

hatcher is 295 not 310

 

[TheCoolFan]

^^I was off by 5 lb...looks like he's 305 lb according to the Cowboys site, ESPN.com and NFL.com. Still too big to play on the edge full-time (or even part-time).

I think the 1st round pick will be DLine, either a DT or DE. We need the OLine help but Jerry will want to pick a player to sell everyone on Kiffin's scheme.

 

[noshame]

You're right. Having Ware rush the passer without needing to drop in coverage won't help him. Being one of two DT's and having an easier job of it won't help Ratliff. Putting Carter in the "Lance Briggs" position where he can roam certainly won't help his game. And Sean Lee isn't a prototypical MLB at all.




Looking foward to seeing Carter and Lee play, but for the record we won't have duo of inside LBers anymore. Kinda the whole (or at least half) point of 4-3

I'm confused, what do you call a mike and wil?

 

[sonnyboy]

I see his role somewhat like Jim Johnson who played DT and DE.

Here's how I see the roles and the MAX percent of our snaps they should play.

Ware: RDE 70%
Ratliff: DT, LDE 70%
Hatcher: DT, LDE 70%
Lissemore: DT
Crawford: RDE, LDE
Rookie: DT
Brent: DT ????
Spears: DT

We should carry 8 on the 53. Holding out hope for Brent still, but we certainly need to spend a 1st or 2nd on a big DT.

 

[Mansta54]

Like i said hatcher is going to suprise alot of people in this defense

He won't suprise me, I know he can play. I look for him and Ratliff to have HUGE years on the Dline. I like Hatch a lot!!

 

[CATCH17]

Hatcher is a good player. I wish we still had Bowen too.

 

[Echo9]

I'm confused, what do you call a mike and wil?

Mike is a Middle LB and a Will is the weak side LB, which would be considered Outside. Since there are only 3 LBer, only one can be inide. Semantics, I know. I was kinda being a ***.

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Hatcher is one of the top interior rushers in the league. He's not in the elite category but he's just a step below. That'll make him a quality DT but he doesn't have the first step to be a premiere DE.

Yeah, I agree with this.

If Spencer leaves I think the Cowboys will try to pick up an aging vet to fill the position for a year or two.

I would like to see someone at DE who's a little lighter than Hatcher and with a "quick twitch" to be able to beat the OT around the edge. It takes a special 300lb (think Reggie White) to be a good rushing 4-3 DE.

 

[speedkilz88]

^^I was off by 5 lb...looks like he's 305 lb according to the Cowboys site, ESPN.com and NFL.com. Still too big to play on the edge full-time (or even part-time).

I think the 1st round pick will be DLine, either a DT or DE. We need the OLine help but Jerry will want to pick a player to sell everyone on Kiffin's scheme.

Hatcher has said himself that he is currently 295 and that he would drop down to 285 if they want him at end.